The artwork titled “Imaginary View of Rome with the Horse-Tamer of the Monte Cavallo and a Church,” created by Hubert Robert in 1786, belongs to the Rococo art movement. The artwork, which measures 161 x 107 cm, is categorized under the genre of veduta. It is housed in the National Museum of Western Art in Tokyo, Japan.
The composition of the artwork showcases a grand, imaginary view of Rome, embellished with skillful architectural and sculptural elements characteristic of the period. The scene is dominated by a depiction of the Horse-Tamer statue from Monte Cavallo, prominently displayed on the right side of the artwork. The statue is perched on a substantial pedestal, surrounded by a bustling group of people engaged in various activities, suggestive of a lively urban environment. In the background, a grand church with an imposing dome rises majestically, framed by lush green trees that enhance the picturesque setting. To the left, a section of an ornate building plunges into shadow, creating a dramatic contrast with the sunlit center of the composition. The interplay of natural light and shade, combined with the detailed foreground, meticulous midground, and atmospheric perspective, draws viewers’ eyes through the depth of the artwork, evoking a sense of the idyllic grandeur of Rome.
